Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 on Semen Parameters, Sperm Function and Reproductive Hormones in Infertile Men

Purpose

We determined the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormone profiles in infertile men.

Materials and Methods

A total of 212 infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg coenzyme Q10 (Kaneka, Osaka, Japan) orally daily (106 in group 1) or a similar placebo regimen (106 in group 2) during a 26-week period, followed by a 30-week treatment-free phase. Two semen analyses, acrosome reaction test, immunobead test for antisperm antibody, and determination of resting levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone and inhibin B were done in all participants. Blood and seminal plasma total coenzyme Q10 was also assessed.

Results

Significant improvement in sperm density and motility was evident with coenzyme Q10 therapy (each p = 0.01). Using the Kruger classification sperm morphology evaluation revealed an increase in the percent of normal forms in the coenzyme Q10 group (p = 0.07). A positive correlation was found between treatment duration with coenzyme Q10 and sperm count (r = 0.46, p = 0.03) as well as with sperm motility (r = 0.45, p = 0.04) and sperm morphology (r = 0.34, p = 0.04). The coenzyme Q10 group had a significant decrease in serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone at the 26-week treatment phase (each p = 0.03). By the end of the treatment phase the mean ± SD acrosome reaction had increased from 14% ± 8% and 15% ± 8% to 31% ± 11% and 16% ± 10% in the coenzyme Q10 and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation resulted in a statistically significant improvement in certain semen parameters. However, further studies are needed to draw a final conclusion and evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the pregnancy rate.

Key Words: testis, spermatozoa, infertility, male, coenzyme Q10, dietary supplements

Abbreviations and Acronyms: CoQ10, coenzyme Q10, FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone, LH, luteinizing hormone, PRL, prolactin, RCT, randomized, controlled trial, TEAE, treatment emergent adverse event